By Kristel Buna
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)—Science and technology took center stage in Oroquieta City in early October as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 held the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW), delivering practical innovations and services to local communities.
Held from Oct. 1 to 3 with the theme “Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” the RSTIW showcased technologies addressing key local issues, including disaster risk reduction, digital governance, health, nutrition, and education.
DOST Regional Director Romela N. Ratilla, in an episode of Talakayan sa PIA: Up Close and Personal, emphasized the event’s focus on delivering efficient and accessible government services through science-based innovations.
“Our focus is bringing more efficient services to the public. Mao gyud na among gi-focus karon (that is what we focus on now) because we want people to trust the government,” Ratilla said, noting delays in public transactions despite the Ease of Doing Business law.
All activities and exhibits were anchored on DOST’s four strategic pillars: promotion of human well-being, protection of wealth, creation of wealth, and sustainability. Among the featured technologies were the hazard assessment tool Hazard Hunter, nutrition support initiatives, and digital tools designed to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This is actually to encourage the celebration of Science and Technology Week, where we recognize important achievements in the field of science and technology,” Ratilla said.
She further said that they also recognized important personalities that have impactful researches and technologies that were developed. “Panahon pud ni siya nga mahibal-an sa mga katawhan unsay pwede nila ma-access ug magamit nga mga serbisyo, as well as mga produkto nga pwede gyud nila magamit for their everyday lives,” Ratilla added.
Ratilla also highlighted the role of MSMEs as a critical link between innovation and commercial application.
“The simplest definition of innovation, which we use in our office, is Innovation =Invention × Commercialization. Even if there is an invention, if there’s no commercialization, zero innovation na siya,” she said.
Recognizing the barriers many small businesses face—such as limited capital, risk aversion, and lack of technical skills—Ratilla underscored the importance of support programs. DOST, she said, works closely with agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide technology upgrades, free training, and skills development.
Beyond enterprise development, the RSTIW also focused on public awareness and community engagement. Interactive exhibits, mobile science laboratories, and a planetarium allowed students and families to explore science in hands-on ways. Locally developed innovations from Misamis Occidental were also showcased.
